An all-new GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck is on its way, with this model making its debut at a special media event earlier in the month. Just ahead of the start of the New York International Auto Show this week, GMC introduced a new off-road AT4 line for the 2019 Sierra. The new sub-brand targets off-road enthusiasts much in the same way the Sierra’s Denali line serves premium customers.

2019 Sierra AT4 as Equipped

The 2019 Sierra AT4 includes multiple off-road features such as four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, a two-inch suspension lift, skid plates and a locking rear differential.

“The 2019 Sierra AT4 is designed for the customer who wants an elevated presence on the road and the capability to venture off life’s beaten path,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “It’s also the beginning for the AT4 brand, which will be seen on every vehicle in our lineup in the next two years.”

Keep this statement in mind as updates to the Canyon, Yukon, Yukon XL, Acadia and Terrain roll out. The AT4 line will tie in with the brand’s SLT trim, which is one notch below Denali.

GMC AT4 Line

All 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 models will offer a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine. It will come with hill descent control, a traction select system or ride on 18- or 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Design elements exclusive to this model include a machined-face, dark-tinted appearance to the wheels.

GMC says that the AT4 will also have the brand’s all-new MultiPro tailgate. Unique to GMC, the tailgate adds to the usual up-and-down opening/closing by adding five additional functions. Flaps and cutouts allow the tailgate to act as a stopper for larger items (think plywood), for ease of lifting cargo, and as a step for access to the bed among other capabilities.

Other features included with the AT4 bring in Rancho monotube shock absorbers, off-road tuned; red vertical recovery hooks, and special black chrome touches and body-color grille surround.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Upgrades

The Sierra AT4 will also offer several upgrades, including GM’s 6.2-liter V8 engine or to its new 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel. A 10-speed automatic transmission works alongside both engines.

Additional upgrades include GMC’s available carbon fiber pickup box. Like the MultiPro tailgate, it is also a brand exclusive. Buyers can also choose a multi-color head-up display or a rear camera mirror. On the safety front you’ll find such driver-assist features as lane change alert with side blind zone alert, front pedestrian braking and low speed forward automatic braking, and surround vision — what supplies a bird’s eye view of the truck.

Fade to Black

The AT4 line should bring more buyers and higher profits to GMC and also builds on a pair of new special edition models for two crossover SUVs. Specifically, those models are the compact GMC Terrain and the midsize GMC Acadia.

Beginning this summer, the two crossovers will offer a pair of black editions, adding such features as gloss black wheels; black or darkened grille inserts; black headlamp, taillamp and mirror cap details; and five special exterior colors.

Pricing details for the 2019 GMC product line will be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, Auto Trends Magazine will supply additional New York International Auto Show updates on this page as well as through our connected social media sites.